Engine Light remains on

[longshot 38]

Hi, I wonder if anyone out there can be of assistance regarding a problem with the engine light of my 1.8 2.5 May 2005 Icon.
The engine light stays on although the car runs as normal no problems, even when pushed a bit hard. The Mazda dealer (who serviced from new) identified a fault code P1496 and states that they have removed the EGR valve and replaced it from a fault free car but the light remained on, they then checked the continuity on wiring from the EGR valve to the PCM (ecu?) and the voltages at the PCM terminals stating that all indications lead to a failure of the PCM, the next step being PCM replacement at £2500 which they state may not resolve the problem. The PCM part number is BP7N18881D

I have contacted a number of repair stations who do not know of that suffix part number although one outlet ECU Dr. know of a BP7N18881C but cannot help.

The car has just 14k miles never wet driven is blemish free, always garaged, and I guess in top condition. The vin number is JMZNB18P etc and I believe it is a vti? engine.

I have to admit that at 75yrs my knowledge is limited to the screwdriver and idler screw days and this will be my last fling with a soft top, although I'd like to continue for a bit longer.

any help and advice much appreciated.

Brian.....Dorset

[Richyvrlimited]

I assume they cleared the code after replacing the valve?

[longshot 38]

Hi and thanks for your response. To be honest I didn't think to ask them but I will.

Brian

[gd49]

I'm sure someone who knows more will be along soon, but my car has the engine light on because the gearbox speed sensor is giving an intermittent fault. I've been told as long as the speedo is working fine its nothing to worry about, if the speedo does fail to replace the sensor then. Not sure if its the same for you but may well be nothing to worry about and I wouldn't be spending 2500 without knowing if you need to.

[longshot 38]

Hi and thanks for your response, agree with you about ignoring the light but as I understand it, it has just become an mot failure. Apparently it's been talked about for some time and a guy I know who specialises in Renault race tuning advised me yesterday that it has just become effective. The dealer who I use is not yet aware of this and on Monday I'll have a service and mot. This will give me more time to get it sorted or sell it and take a hit.

It would be a total bargain for someone with knowledge etc. Because it is so tidy the dealer went over it with his pencil and clipboard to note any dings etc before they gave me a loan car as they didn't want to be blamed for any previous damage. They asked if it was the original paintwork, as it is in such good nick.

Brian.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Give Autolink a call. They aren't too far away from you in Southampton.

[Henry Fiddleton]

Engine lights are over rated anyway.

If it is running right, and you know when a car is not running correct (ears & bum) - then you look in to it.

Buy a £20 scan tool, its plugs in to the OBD port and can tell what you what error is, and just clear if it is just sensor/minor problem.

If this is to much for you, ask a local PH'er.

Im in Kent if that helps/

[longshot 38]

Hi and thanks for your response. Ref:

Scan tool...where would I get one?

OBD Port...where is it?

Local PH'er...who is?

As you can see I'm a bit lost.

regards

Brian

[Mr Jenks]

Does your interior/courtesy light work?
I know it sounds stupid but they share the same fuse, possibly lighter socket as well. Have come across more than 1 where "ROOM" fuse is blown makes the engine warning light stay on

[longshot 38]

I checked the fuse box under the bonnet they were from 20 to 100amp and were all ok. I'll look inside next for any more fuses. The interior light is ok, but I'll also check the lighter. It's now been seviced and mot and while they had it I got them to recheck the part number they gave me which was a suffix D and not recognised by anyone,....it is a suffix C so I'll have to check all the repairer's to see if the know of that part so that they can at least test it. If it's faulty it would cost approx £275 which is better than £2537

Thanks

[MX-5 Lazza]

The fuse box you need is by your right knee if you are sitting in the drivers seat behind a panel that you have to pull out to access them. There should be a fuse removal tool in there too.

[Henry Fiddleton]

Henry Fiddleton said:

Engine lights are over rated anyway.

If it is running right, and you know when a car is not running correct (ears & bum) - then you look in to it.

Buy a £20 scan tool, its plugs in to the OBD port and can tell what you what error is, and just clear if it is just sensor/minor problem.

If this is to much for you, ask a local PH'er.

Im in Kent if that helps/

OBD is a port above your knee, (right) when sat in the drivers seat.

An OBD scan tool plugs in, and can give you a reading in the cars C.E.L warning.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=OBD+scan+tool&amp...

Its not very compicated, two buttons in fact on mine, that wipes the error code.

Hopefully wipe it, and if it stays off for little while, MOT it, and then if it reappears use it as a reminder that your car has an engine :-)

[longshot 38]

Hi and thanks for that info. I've had it serviced and MOTd and discovered that the dealer advised the wrong ecu part number. He advised suffix D and it's a C. I've located a tester/repaire who knows the part and can test and repair it if necessary which I hope it is because his cost is £205 and he is familar with most jap cars.
I will get the OBD tester even if I get a successful repair.

I located a breakers yard in London who sell complete MX5 kits but they didn't have mine. They were very helpful and for future reference if anyone is interested their number is 0207 328 6324 ask for Tariq.

Many thanks for your input....will keep you posted.

Brian

[MX-5 Lazza]

I'll say it again - visit Autolink. They will get it sorted for you. I very much doubt that it's an ecu fault.

[BeirutTaxi]

MX-5 Lazza said:

I'll say it again - visit Autolink. They will get it sorted for you. I very much doubt that it's an ecu fault.

Autolink have my approval too. They strike me as knowing everything (and I mean everything) about MX5's.

Autolink UK Ltd
Unit 1, Lycroft Farm
Park Lane
Upper Swanmore
Southampton
Hants
SO32 2QQ
UK
01489 877770
01489 877900

http://autolinkuk.co.uk

[longshot 38]

Thanks Lazza & B Taxi, Iv'e posted off the ECU and if it's not faulty will go your suggested route. Will advise back

Brian

[longshot 38]

Hi all,...sucess,well almost, I sent the ECU to Avilec on the Isle of Whight (01983 281811...Paul) who repaired it for a total cost of £258 including vat and next day delivery.

Although, they have advised that the egr valve should be replaced by an original Mazda EGR. I was told that if I unplugged it I may be able to drive it to the Mazda dealer, appreciate your views